Lorene Taurerewa

Degrees of Separation exhibition- Charcoal works by Lorene Taurerewa

Another inspiring find. I get an extra buzz when I discover the scale of drawings like these- They are BIG! Like Deidre Copeland's drawings- they have a big presence. A weight. It brings the feeling that they are there in the room with you. She says in her artists' statement: "Scale is very important and locates us in particular, shifting places as we approach and move away from the drawing."

Inspiring artists....

'Low Key' by Luke Hollis

I was in a cafe the other day and discovered they had a really good selection of magazines... this in my experience, is rare. Most cafes have the dogeared Womens Weekly's, or high fashion mags like Vogue. I'm only talking for myself here but these don't really inspire me. I don't know if anyone else has noticed- but the add content is so large, that the 'articles' (if you can call them that) don't even start until page 10!!!
ANYWAY- This place had a range of art mags!!! And wierd quirky subculture mags. And the coffee was great too.

What better way to spend a crap wet winter's day than emersing myself in beautiful inspiring imagery, whilst enjoying the tingly feeling of caffiene slowly working it's magic.

Thought there were many I'd like to share..... The most amazing discovery for me was Luke Hollis. As a photographer, I find his paintings intriguing. They scream beauty. There is a great interview in the ODT I can't wait to check out his latest exhibition 'First Impressions' on at The Artists Room' in Dunedin. He is self taught, and lives in Auckland NZ. I will add more once I have been to see these in person.

Its been a while....

I just thought I'd pop something new up..... I havent been very proactive lately have I.... eek
I snapped these photos this morning out at 'The Mole', which is out at the harbour entrance- at the heads. It doesnt look like much to some, but it was pumping! Actually- I'm lucky the camera still works- I got swamped by a wave, we all did, all cameras were drying by the fire this avo!!!
This was what was in the other direction, this is 'The Mole', looking towards Aramoana (sux living here- not!):

Wanaka!!! Bring on the Snow!!!!!

Photo by Kat Greager

I took this photo from a helicopter.... The first time Id ever been in one, and Im hovering over water, fiddling with a polarising filter trying to avoid reflection from the dome windscreen, and trying not to feel ill. This was a shoot I will never forget- it was the most beautiful day in Wanaka, there was snow on the mountains, sun on my face, Wanaka can really put on a show! I just thought Id share it with you. :)

Photo by Kat Greager

Fun with photos....

There are so many cool things you can do with your photos! I discovered this site 'Craft Chi'. Have a look. This link explains how to make creative stamps/brushes in Photoshop from your photographs. Above is experimenting with bleach pens and printing from an epsom printer.

see how.

Also- printing onto Mylar/transparent plastic, and transfering that onto... whatever you like!!

This is a favourite of mine. Encorporate this into works of art- paintings, sculptures etc or just as is.

Another way to transfer a photographic image is to photocopy (colour/black n white) then paint on a layer of Impasto medium, turn onto desired surface, apply weight and let dry. then using a wet/damp cloth, rub the paper backing away, leaving the ink embedded in the medium. I will try to find pics of the process watch this space!!

Cake in a Mug!!! ......I couldnt resist!

Chocolate cupcake in a mug. (5 minutes )

Thanks to an email from a friend

4 Tablespoons Self Raising flour

4 Tablespoons sugar

2 Tablespoons cocoa

1 Egg

3 Tablespoons milk

3 Tablespoons oil

1 Mug
Add Flour, Sugar, Cocoa

Mix, add egg, Mix.....

Add oil, milk..... Mix.....

Now pop in Microwave (nuke it baby!) on high for 3min. Once it rises no more.... let it set, then tip out and enjoy with a hot cup of coffee.... YUM!!!!

Kat's untried tips:

1-Make this in a bigger mug, and before you pop it in the micro, sprinkle a mix of brown sugar, and cocoa on top, and half a cup of coffee.... voila- SELF SAUCING!!!!

Just make sure its a big mug!!

2-Add chunks of chocolate (if you're at work, nip down to the vending machine and see whats there!)

Funky cufflinks- Man these are cool!!

Gr0glmann's Retro Classy Cufflinks were created by Gr0glmann. I came across these whilst browsing Etsy.com..... a really cool little website where anyone can sell their crafty or arty wares. It's an inspiring ride. He also uses scrabble pieces, Star Wars figurines, and keyboard pieces.... again- Simple yet effective. Who wants tacky silver and gold squares when you can have these! And people think that women get all the cool accessories.

Resene Paints Website- Great Resourse...

This is not an intentional advertorial for Resene- I was on the search for environmental paint choices, and also looking at testpots as an economical option for artists. Happily stumbled accross a great resource in the process.

I think the days of limited colours of testpots are gone. I have memories of pastels, and varying shades of beige being the only options left over... or was that just me? Not an overly inspiring palette.

Resene have incorporated an 'Artists' section in their website. They have a cool 'Is this the same colour Game', an interesting and interactive way to demonstrate the values of colour and the effect of their interaction. There is a whole section on 'Understanding Colour'

Also available are colour charts, and pickers... good tools for colour theory, and also some good techniques to try out.